In this petition, the Alliance Queer Emergency Uganda calls on the German government to grant humanitarian visas to LGBTIQ+ people from Uganda who are particularly at risk.
After the "Anti-Homosexuality Act" in Uganda came into force in the end of May 2023, "homosexual acts" are now punishable by up to 20 years in prison or even the death penalty. Even the "attempt" is punishable. In addition, all citizens are obliged to report people to the police if they have "reasonable suspicion" of homosexual acts.
Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, inter and queer people experience violence, no longer dare to leave the house, lose their homes and jobs. Access to prevention, support and care in the health system has also become very difficult or even impossible. Many people with HIV can no longer get their medication.
Activists are particularly at risk
"Activists are particularly at risk, because they are the mouthpiece of the LGBTIQ+ community to the public and their work is perceived as promoting and spreading homosexuality in the country, which is not the case. Most of them have gone into hiding and some are also trying to flee Uganda," reports human rights activist Edward Mutebi, founder of Let's Walk Uganda. These people, who have made a great contribution to the lives of their communities, urgently need a safe haven outside Uganda.
We want to lend weight to the demands for humanitarian visas as described in our open letter to the Federal Government with this petition. A first list with 177 names has been in the hands of the Federal Foreign Office since May 2023. So far, no decision has been taken on it.
We ask you: Support our petition so that we can provide safe refuge for persecuted LGBT+ people in Uganda. Thank you!
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